Record-breaking African run on hold over Algeria warning
A BRITISH man’s attempt to become the first person to run the length of Africa is “hanging in the balance” after the Foreign Office warned him not to cross into Algeria.
Russell Cook, from Worthing, in West Sussex, has covered more than 7,500 miles in 279 days in his charity challenge, which he started last April.
However, this week he said he was facing issues with securing a visa to allow him to enter Algeria, the penultimate country on his route to Tunisia, where he is hoping to reach the northern tip of the continent.
Mr Cook, 26, said in a video posted to social media: “We have a bit of a problem. We haven’t been able to get visas for Algeria, and if we don’t get them, then it’s game over for project Africa.
“I’ve been running now for 278 days, covered nearly 12,000km (7,456 miles) through 13 countries and raised over £140,000 for charity in my attempt to become the first person ever to run the entire length of Africa.
“But right now all of that is totally hanging on whether we can get permission from Algeria to let us cross in through this border with Mauritania.” The marathon runner says he has “no other way” to reach Tunisia other than going through Algeria.
However, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it had provided Mr Cook with travel advice and was advising him not to enter Algeria. “It clearly sets out the risks involved,” a spokesman said. “Our travel advice is just that, advice, and it is up to individuals to decide whether to follow it.”
The FCDO advises Britons travelling to Algeria that terrorists are “likely to try to carry out attacks in Algeria, including kidnappings”.
Mr Cook’s challenge, which amounts to 360 marathons in just 240 days, has so far raised more than £144,000 for the Running Charity.